Today marks a significant milestone for PC Gamer, representing the culmination of extensive discussions, debates, calculations, and refinements. For avid readers of our esteemed publication, the moment has arrived to reveal our comprehensive Top 100 list. This year’s edition is particularly noteworthy, as it witnesses a dramatic shift at the pinnacle of the rankings. After several years of reigning supreme, Disco Elysium has been dethroned, making way for the new champion: Baldur’s Gate 3.
A New Champion Emerges
Swen Vincke, the ever-enthusiastic CEO of Larian Studios, expressed his sentiments regarding this achievement: “Baldur’s Gate 3 is our tribute to tabletop RPGs, inspired by countless nights spent adventuring and storytelling with friends around a table. However, bringing this world from tabletops to PC and consoles couldn’t have happened without the foundations laid by the RPG titans who came before us—videogames that many of our team grew up playing and cherishing. To be named alongside so many of these games today is truly an honour—enough to tug at the heartstrings of even the most cold-hearted Lolth-sworn drow. Thank you PC Gamer, and to all of you, for allowing us to add our own chapter to this legacy of RPG storytelling.”
This new chapter not only honors the legacy of its predecessors but also surpasses it, embracing Dungeons & Dragons and the core tenets of tabletop roleplaying in ways that even the acclaimed Infinity Engine games did not attempt.
The Enduring Appeal of Baldur’s Gate 3
In an era dominated by live service games, offline, single-player titles often struggle to maintain their relevance. Many eventually fade from the spotlight, becoming less discussed on social media due to the industry’s relentless pace and the fleeting nature of public attention. Yet, Baldur’s Gate 3 defies this trend. Our enthusiasm for it remains as strong now as it was during its launch in August 2023.
The game’s frequent and substantial updates have certainly contributed to its sustained popularity. However, it is the rich tapestry of characters, compelling storylines, and diverse roleplaying options that make Baldur’s Gate 3 an unforgettable experience. It is the type of epic adventure—spanning approximately 150 hours—that invites players to dive back in immediately after completion, swapping out their cheerful half-drow bard for a dragonborn anti-hero or exploring one of the myriad other configurations that dramatically alter the course of their journey.
The Reign of RPGs
Our fondness for exceptional RPGs is evident in our Top 100 lists, which consistently showcase the genre’s richness within the PC gaming landscape. Historically, RPGs have dominated our rankings, with titles like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and The Witcher 3 preceding Disco Elysium’s reign. Even before that, classics such as Mass Effect 2 and Skyrim made their mark. For over a decade, the RPG has claimed the throne, and we eagerly await the next year to see if Baldur’s Gate 3 can maintain its crown.
